One of Yellowstone's Famous White Wolves Was Euthanized After Being Found With a Gunshot Wound

The Canyon Pack alpha female was one of just three known white wolves in Yellowstone.

Hikers discovered the mortally wounded animal near the park's northern boundary on April 11, 2017.

Preliminary necropsy reports show that the wolf suffered from a gunshot wound.

A $5,000 reward is being offered to anyone who can provide information regarding this crime.

One of Yellowstone's most recognizable white wolves recently had to be euthanized by park staff after suffering from a gunshot wound, the National Park Service reports.

Hikers discovered the wounded Canyon Pack alpha female, one of just three known white wolves in Yellowstone, inside the park on April 11, 2017. Due to the extent of the wolf's injuries, park staff had to euthanize the animal.

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In addition to being one of the most popular wolves with Yellowstone visitors for her rare color, at 12 years old the Canyon Pack alpha female was also about twice the age of the average wolf in Yellowstone National Park. The National Park Service estimates she had given birth to at least 20 pups in her life.

"Due to the serious nature of this incident, a reward of up to $5,000.00 is offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the individual(s) responsible for this criminal act," Yellowstone National Park Superintendent Dan Wenk said in the report.

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Preliminary results from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Forensics Laboratory necropsy reveal that the wolf was shot sometime between 1 a.m. on April 10 and 2 p.m. on April 11, 2017. The National Park Service law enforcement believes the wolf was injured near Gardiner, Montana on the north side of the park or near the Old Yellowstone Trail.